[Libs-Or] Tech-Talk: WEB TOOL – ALT Text Generated Instantly for You

Tue Sep 24 14:45:11 PDT 2024

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Let AI create your Alt text

[https://files.constantcontact.com/ee1208b4001/34916cb2-412f-43fa-8294-1f7ecb0e9a3d.png]

[A red barn sits under a blue sky with scattered clouds, partially obscured by tall, green corn plants in the foreground. Overlaid on the image is a blue button with the text "View the Tech Tip Video Here.]<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001o5b5ACHiJJCeX01lLHKOlNZPNKzMHk1FCm42TTvfxkjiI36doOGEFznZATSobzPQL8EVGMmRY5-eH878UDY3lkonJ1oc9aBVe85fIeMlntW9cI7sjw8F3zxDnyYChoTXlHsbNKOVFecF67ntKyI1vEtlZSiJyIBWA83EMYJ-yTU8QJxL08jIf5TlmBaEOCIZ8w_M9xAom3E=&c=kOCqDJNLFaNLFJajmFV6UQMag08u3O735DbqllcGwNt1ArPoAx3S1g==&ch=_Zc4wO1FOYVQZWhrPI0dk9CYgFmbO8r3LJoB9Muc34T2Z2OkK31YHA==>

Photo by Chris Robert<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001o5b5ACHiJJCeX01lLHKOlNZPNKzMHk1FCm42TTvfxkjiI36doOGEFznZATSobzPQDEPuVFTvX6NUCGeEzqM-vnWpA0WSEItTlvnX6NYuFMisQSfv3iRPcEqss0Ccbrd72ZFFOcg6xOzgs1GO4i-MdpbY5jQNt5fGQVyoypez4ySuGw7JM2E-dRjCMByX9pKpEXo58l2kfMzkczIVTu0U_b73I141-UR9pP2kgreF8GeZCQQG7P2WmGRWUm7Y9qei8Q2VmJ5aDt1KDeAjqwEmgg==&c=kOCqDJNLFaNLFJajmFV6UQMag08u3O735DbqllcGwNt1ArPoAx3S1g==&ch=_Zc4wO1FOYVQZWhrPI0dk9CYgFmbO8r3LJoB9Muc34T2Z2OkK31YHA==> on Unsplash<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001o5b5ACHiJJCeX01lLHKOlNZPNKzMHk1FCm42TTvfxkjiI36doOGEFznZATSobzPQNm532CcdrXvzSZhXh5IaGkwztxVoNXazCQsGtDRM4XS9aO02bYUJUqdwaVL5bJhukZgLkFHvMmVtuYGOnPD-AEUZXqMzk8x0YD5CvsUzUnmk7oT45jGzEPY_1NA5jNZe8HiYW4ln7-alJWI4rRIj03RcNuhTrceqCjbzeOvFBJXSP-64B4ZZS0sreG7ytl26p938vr5u15L_6GfmFFa00TFlpdnN9Bf0PDoPkb4GkpxhrJBNLtOicw==&c=kOCqDJNLFaNLFJajmFV6UQMag08u3O735DbqllcGwNt1ArPoAx3S1g==&ch=_Zc4wO1FOYVQZWhrPI0dk9CYgFmbO8r3LJoB9Muc34T2Z2OkK31YHA==>

[https://files.constantcontact.com/ee1208b4001/e25f6bcf-26a8-4e59-91f2-cc248962042d.png]<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001o5b5ACHiJJCeX01lLHKOlNZPNKzMHk1FCm42TTvfxkjiI36doOGEF05m9bIz_hu_xvA5G41OiIFDmPmqSriezEsRYPQ6mbJDBTdWAczpxxdFAf86LIJWufmQW39KgJ-mLsi5291jxGDRRcFuTWYWfAhVYdh3TTBK&c=kOCqDJNLFaNLFJajmFV6UQMag08u3O735DbqllcGwNt1ArPoAx3S1g==&ch=_Zc4wO1FOYVQZWhrPI0dk9CYgFmbO8r3LJoB9Muc34T2Z2OkK31YHA==>

Webinars for You

NOTE: All webinars begin at 3 pm ET / 2 pm CT / 1 pm MT / 12 Noon PT and are one hour long.
·     September 25: [GRAPHICS] Make Your Own Animated Greeting Cards with Music and Voice
·     October 9: [WORD/Google Docs] Mastering Document Templates and Formatting
·     October 23: [GRAPHICS] Use AI Tips and Strategies to Solve Problems and Craft Perfect Text
·     November 6: [INTERNET] Organizing Your Documents in Cloud Storage

View Webinars and Register Here<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001o5b5ACHiJJCeX01lLHKOlNZPNKzMHk1FCm42TTvfxkjiI36doOGEF8a3WQo7Sf50FGXgyPS02LTf8937CZUMgmioc-zuAWSb9kVFEOO_ChCnAnDU2IHj50LtuQKqm3kswbVDtv45lU5n89IUI75WgLuvaoRAEi1Tz1ti_0wlzi0=&c=kOCqDJNLFaNLFJajmFV6UQMag08u3O735DbqllcGwNt1ArPoAx3S1g==&ch=_Zc4wO1FOYVQZWhrPI0dk9CYgFmbO8r3LJoB9Muc34T2Z2OkK31YHA==>

WEB TOOL – ALT Text Generated Instantly for You

Intermediate

If you're the person who adds images to a website page or email, you probably know that part of that process is adding what is called ALT Text. Simply put, this text describes what the image is, when: 1) the picture doesn't load, 2) a screen reader is being used by visually impaired individuals and 3) you want to be discovered through search engine optimization (SEO).

As a reminder, you can learn exactly what ALT Text is, and what should be included, see this Tech-Talk article<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001o5b5ACHiJJCeX01lLHKOlNZPNKzMHk1FCm42TTvfxkjiI36doOGEFxsZsjTaZmn7DClNDQdvE-gQiOkqx3UMqA0y-XeXlb3faC2NnftOsS5Bz9ecR-K4dDFGg9dkVMEc7OKOcmNzaq0R1QAszvH6lJKP7iaIVFyPWYT6x8m7kYO1UaH2ELuCb3dQE_ZDJmtT0y8-BDZbdGU=&c=kOCqDJNLFaNLFJajmFV6UQMag08u3O735DbqllcGwNt1ArPoAx3S1g==&ch=_Zc4wO1FOYVQZWhrPI0dk9CYgFmbO8r3LJoB9Muc34T2Z2OkK31YHA==>. This issue is about a tool that will generate the words for you. Cool, right?

First, let's settle the question about how long the ALT text should be for each image. Unfortunately, there is no definitive "rule." Some directions say to keep it concise (one sentence).

Others suggest that it should be as long as needed to accurately describe important and relevant details of the picture. One guiding thought is that some Alt-text creation tools limit you to 125 characters.

So you get to choose the length that is appropriate for your situation and image. The tools we're showing you today will assist you.
[A yellow hot air balloon with red and orange accents floats gently against a picturesque sky painted in soft hues of blue, pink, and orange.]

ALT Text example to describe the image above:

A yellow hot air balloon with red and orange accents floats gently against a picturesque sky painted in soft hues of blue, pink, and orange.

OR A colorful hot air balloon floats gently against a sky painted in soft pastels.

In our own struggle to generate this content accurately and easily for Tech-Talk images, we found a few web tools that create ALT text for us! They use artificial intelligence to view the image and create a description. It is amazing how accurate and spot-on these tools can be!

So…in this article, we'll take a look at:
1.  Alttext.ai. A low-cost option that is packed full of features.
2.  Ahrefs.com, which offers a free AI image ALT Text generator.

AltText.ai

Creating ALT text is easy with this highly rated web tool. You can upload an image to their website in your own account or use one of the many app integrations (such as for your Chrome browser) to quickly generate it.

First, create an account at https://alttext.ai<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001o5b5ACHiJJCeX01lLHKOlNZPNKzMHk1FCm42TTvfxkjiI36doOGEFznZATSobzPQ-V6r7EYDUdesaqpCyuWY9cxJayCRtXoNi0FnFYGsBWxhQDL2VkSzPsEBFTRnKzCUDMXeC5OBscd_5FHi8nwlaw==&c=kOCqDJNLFaNLFJajmFV6UQMag08u3O735DbqllcGwNt1ArPoAx3S1g==&ch=_Zc4wO1FOYVQZWhrPI0dk9CYgFmbO8r3LJoB9Muc34T2Z2OkK31YHA==>. There is a free trial to see if you like it. Otherwise, you can purchase credits or sign up for a monthly plan. For example, the $5/month plan buys you 100 credits. One credit equals one ALT text generation.

Next, before using this tool, in your Alttext.ai platform, go to the Account tab. There are many options to review, but be sure to look at the ALT Text Generation section where you can:
·     Set the maximum length of characters. (You can choose to keep them short.)
·     Determine the Style of text (Elaborated, Standard, Matter-of-fact, Concise or Terse). NOTE: This is where you get to establish your preference for what type of Alt Text you want. (See example below.)

[An interface of an Alt Text Generation tool is shown. Options include enforcing a maximum length of alt text, selecting a default language (English), and choosing the style and level of detail (Concise, Standard, Matter-of-fact, etc.) for the alt text.]

There are a few different ways to use the tool:
1.  Through your https://alttext.ai<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001o5b5ACHiJJCeX01lLHKOlNZPNKzMHk1FCm42TTvfxkjiI36doOGEFznZATSobzPQ-V6r7EYDUdesaqpCyuWY9cxJayCRtXoNi0FnFYGsBWxhQDL2VkSzPsEBFTRnKzCUDMXeC5OBscd_5FHi8nwlaw==&c=kOCqDJNLFaNLFJajmFV6UQMag08u3O735DbqllcGwNt1ArPoAx3S1g==&ch=_Zc4wO1FOYVQZWhrPI0dk9CYgFmbO8r3LJoB9Muc34T2Z2OkK31YHA==> account you can upload an image to generate the ALT text.
2.  Install a Browser Extension for Chrome or Firefox to use on any webpage (like in an email platform such as Constant Contact).
3.  Use Plugins for WordPress, Shopify, WooCommerce and more.

Let's look at all three of these options.

1. Use Your Account Portal at Alttext.ai

Go to https://alttext.ai<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001o5b5ACHiJJCeX01lLHKOlNZPNKzMHk1FCm42TTvfxkjiI36doOGEFznZATSobzPQ-V6r7EYDUdesaqpCyuWY9cxJayCRtXoNi0FnFYGsBWxhQDL2VkSzPsEBFTRnKzCUDMXeC5OBscd_5FHi8nwlaw==&c=kOCqDJNLFaNLFJajmFV6UQMag08u3O735DbqllcGwNt1ArPoAx3S1g==&ch=_Zc4wO1FOYVQZWhrPI0dk9CYgFmbO8r3LJoB9Muc34T2Z2OkK31YHA==> and sign in. The Dashboard gives you an overview of your account.

[Screenshot of a webpage showing the "Add a New Image" interface. Users can upload an image via URL or by choosing a file. There's an option for asset ID, alt text language selection, and buttons for SEO keywords and ChatGPT modification. An arrow points to the "Add Image" button.]
·     Click on the Images tab at the top. You'll see a library of pictures that you've uploaded, the ALT Text generated and the date.
·     As in the image to the right, at the top of the page click the blue +Image button to upload your picture (or add the image URL if you've already loaded it to an image library).
·     Optional choices are included for ecommerce data and SEO keywords.
·     Click the blue Add Image button.
·     After processing is complete, you'll return to the Images page. Click the Alt Text copy option for that image and use it where needed.

[A monitor displaying a web page with options to manage images. Highlighted text describes a woman with short hair sitting at a desk, wearing a gray shirt, smiling, with a laptop screen visible. The setting is described as a modern office space.]

2. Install a Browser Extension

This option lets you use the Alttext.ai tool in any website you are viewing. For instance, we use it regularly when loading images to the Constant Contact email platform library.

Go to the Getting Started page, https://alttext.ai/dashboard/get_started<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001o5b5ACHiJJCeX01lLHKOlNZPNKzMHk1FCm42TTvfxkjiI36doOGEFznZATSobzPQEV3QcjZg94HnnoPtixvmOoDQcVgJkPFCjA7GJDYfU211M3oezAmgGno_LinnKqrm7_Gx_94w5wpKZC1V5f7VYJi8z2z73QC0zs130JRyIHbgZJotkZiXVA==&c=kOCqDJNLFaNLFJajmFV6UQMag08u3O735DbqllcGwNt1ArPoAx3S1g==&ch=_Zc4wO1FOYVQZWhrPI0dk9CYgFmbO8r3LJoB9Muc34T2Z2OkK31YHA==>, and pick the integration you would like to use. For a browser extension, Chrome and Firefox add-ons are offered. Follow the steps to install your choice. (There is no Edge at this time.)

[Screenshot of the AltText.ai "Get Started" webpage with options to integrate the service via various tools such as web, WordPress, Shopify, Contentful, Chrome extension, Firefox add-on, Magento extension, and DatoCMS.]

When you need to generate ALT text (whether you're in the image upload process, or it's already on a page or an email preview window):
1.  Right-click on the picture and in the window that opens, select AltText.ai: Get alt text. TIP: If it is not showing in the window, scroll down as it may be lower in the list.
2.  Without moving your cursor (or going to a different page) wait a few seconds for the ALT text to be generated. Be patient, more complicated images can take more time.
3.  Click the Copy button when the black box appears at the top of the screen to capture the description and add it to the Alt Text area for the image.

For example, in the image below, I loaded a picture into Constant Contact and, before adding it to the email, put my cursor on top of the image right-clicked, and chose AltText.ai from the box.

[Screenshot of a computer screen showing a folder with hot air balloon images. One balloon is described as yellow and red against a pastel sunset sky. The screenshot also features a drop-down menu with an option highlighted by a red arrow labeled "AtFECax Get alt text" in the context menu.]

3. Use Plugins for WordPress, Shopify, WooCommerce and More

For this example, we added the AltText AI plugin for WordPress.
1.  In WordPress, we went to Plugins, Add New Plugin and found Alt Text AI from our search.
2.  Once it was activated we went to the plugin settings to add the API key to connect to our account and selected the Writing Style and other settings.

[A promotional banner for "Alt Text AI." It features the text: "Alt Text AI - Automatically generate image alt text for SEO and accessibility. Automatically sets the descriptive alt text of your images. Boosts your SEO and accessibility." There are "Install Now" and "More Details" buttons on the right.]

·     Now, when loading images to the media library (or into a page or post), in the right panel, click the green Update Alt Text button. Text will be added to the Alt Text box automatically.
·     At this time, if you want to make any changes such as reducing the length or adding a special intent, you can.
·     There's even an option to generate SEO keywords.

[A screenshot of the "Add Media" screen in a content management system. A hot air balloon image with a red outline is selected. The alt text field displays: "A yellow hot air balloon with red and orange accents floats gently against a picturesque sky painted in soft hues of blue, pink, and orange.]

Free Alt Text Generator from Ahrefs.com

If you only need to create ALT text periodically, take a look at this tool from the folks at ahrefs.com. It's kind of hidden on their site, so bookmark this page, https://ahrefs.com/writing-tools/img-alt-text-generator<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001o5b5ACHiJJCeX01lLHKOlNZPNKzMHk1FCm42TTvfxkjiI36doOGEFznZATSobzPQaXJFbxGa520_LP7rMW4-HRB72Gxo70YVscHVbRi6QxjkOg6KBaTUngSY1l8YsvYyfog52zTvRkY7pwt3YsQUEmxNHnHrjzibQY07-OT4Hiwlhkhl40YfJhqyfq97OG7H&c=kOCqDJNLFaNLFJajmFV6UQMag08u3O735DbqllcGwNt1ArPoAx3S1g==&ch=_Zc4wO1FOYVQZWhrPI0dk9CYgFmbO8r3LJoB9Muc34T2Z2OkK31YHA==>. Although free, the downfall of this option is that it does not integrate with other platforms.

So, when you want to generate ALT text, go to the link, https://ahrefs.com/writing-tools/img-alt-text-generator<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001o5b5ACHiJJCeX01lLHKOlNZPNKzMHk1FCm42TTvfxkjiI36doOGEFznZATSobzPQaXJFbxGa520_LP7rMW4-HRB72Gxo70YVscHVbRi6QxjkOg6KBaTUngSY1l8YsvYyfog52zTvRkY7pwt3YsQUEmxNHnHrjzibQY07-OT4Hiwlhkhl40YfJhqyfq97OG7H&c=kOCqDJNLFaNLFJajmFV6UQMag08u3O735DbqllcGwNt1ArPoAx3S1g==&ch=_Zc4wO1FOYVQZWhrPI0dk9CYgFmbO8r3LJoB9Muc34T2Z2OkK31YHA==> and:
1.  Upload your image.
2.  In the right column choose how many variants you want to view (number of different descriptions).
3.  Choose the writing style (formal, friendly, professional).
4.  Click the Generate Alt Text button.
5.  View the ALT text that appears in the window.
6.  Copy the text and paste it into your platform. You can always modify if needed.

[Screenshot of a webpage showing a free AI image alt text generator tool. The user interface includes areas to upload an image, input a description, select writing style, and generate alt text.]

[A series of smooth, dark stones arranged in a line, half-submerged in calm, reflective water with a soft, gray background.]

Communication: Talking

Compliment the action, not the person

I was without a car for a week (engine recall) and received a text from one of the neighbors. She graciously inquired if I needed anything or would like a ride somewhere.

It was very sweet and thoughtful of her, right?

I wanted to reply, not only with an answer to her questions, but to give her a compliment and show my appreciation.

My first instinct was to say, "You're so sweet and thoughtful." That would be good, wouldn't you agree?

Then my communication skills kicked in and I remembered, not to praise the person, but rather the action. Why?

Imagine this was said to you:

"You're so thoughtful."

or the alternative

"That was so thoughtful of you."

Which feels more comfortable? If you're like most, you may feel that having your essence praised makes you wonder if you can keep it up. That's a big challenge to be thoughtful all the time.

If your action is praised, you realize that you can continue to do things that are "thoughtful". It's repeatable, but not a lifelong expectation of "who you are".

Catch yourself as you're handing our praise. Give it a twist so that the action the person did get's the praise.

[https://files.constantcontact.com/ee1208b4001/b13a7a6a-7445-4d8e-b741-4b475385ef5b.png]<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001o5b5ACHiJJCeX01lLHKOlNZPNKzMHk1FCm42TTvfxkjiI36doOGEF7t5-v2asbf_CUTdSEa_FU1E2qu4waBlbOkosKW8V46YPUgLupuhnKSwIzjUFV_uYcInSImcayj_Ok-cli2gi_nW2yMih_4ou7n-GQvdISdUrfAXsqnrLvw=&c=kOCqDJNLFaNLFJajmFV6UQMag08u3O735DbqllcGwNt1ArPoAx3S1g==&ch=_Zc4wO1FOYVQZWhrPI0dk9CYgFmbO8r3LJoB9Muc34T2Z2OkK31YHA==>

[Ask a question]<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001o5b5ACHiJJCeX01lLHKOlNZPNKzMHk1FCm42TTvfxkjiI36doOGEF5-grf3oJoLXWd7P_QhEq32vKUCQgL9NiVdUXIJ_qKcl0P57VI1Rc9e_t_t8L9mmqOi4j-Zs5wawI9h8G_RFdib_9HAiqJLML7OQdpZEDKIELuYH5-ZXmrY=&c=kOCqDJNLFaNLFJajmFV6UQMag08u3O735DbqllcGwNt1ArPoAx3S1g==&ch=_Zc4wO1FOYVQZWhrPI0dk9CYgFmbO8r3LJoB9Muc34T2Z2OkK31YHA==>

Copyright 1996-2024 Shared Results International. Published weekly. Distribution is limited by license. For information on how to include additional recipients, contact support at tech-talk.com<mailto:support at tech-talk.com> 585-615-7795.

Cheers
Darci Hanning, MLIS (she/her/hers)
Public Library Consultant / CE Coordinator
Continuing Education Resources: https://libguides.osl.state.or.us/conted
State Library of Oregon | Library Support and Development Services
971-375-3491 | darci.hanning at slo.oregon.gov<mailto:darci.hanning at slo.oregon.gov> | www.oregon.gov/library<http://www.oregon.gov/library>

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